Falcons hang in for win

GEELONG Falcons’ run of close losses came to an end on Saturday, with the young group taking a step in the right direction in terms of their development.

The NAB League outfit had suffered a draw and four losses under seven points but was on the right end of an 8.8 (56) to 6.13 (49) scoreline against Tasmania Devils in Hobart.

The Falcons led by 17 points at the main break before the home side upped the ante, spraying 2.6 to 0.2 to close the gap to a solitary point.

They then hit the front not once but twice in the last term, but the visitors responded both times to claim just their second win for the season.

“It was a nice feeling after the game for the players and the staff, particularly being a while between wins for us,” Falcons coach Luke Daffy said.

“There were just some really positive signs today that players really wanted to take it up in that last five minutes and get the job done.

“It felt like in that third term we just got beat around the contest a little bit; they got their hands on it and we hung in there really tough, I thought.

“It was a very gutsy win, I think, in falling behind a couple of times in the last quarter and then coming back from that, which has been at times this year a challenge for us, losing quite a few close ones.”

Oliver Henry, brother of Geelong defender Jack, starred in the backline, while Charlie Sprague kicked three goals for the Falcons.

“We moved him back and he was fantastic, won a lot of his one-on-one contests but was able to roll off and support,” Daffy said of Henry.

“Charlie played key forward for us again and was fantastic, gave us a key focal point in front of the footy and really made the most of his chances again, which is great for him.”

There’s just one game left in the NAB League season before the Falcons compete for a wildcard entry into finals, where star 17-year-old Tanner Bruhn will be welcomed back from school football.

“Tanner’s been playing the last three games at Geelong Grammar,” Daffy said.

“We have a bye next week and then we play Dandenong for the last game and at the end of the season, he’ll come back into our side.”